Injured dog Tinkerbell pining for her puppies after they were stolen from a farm

A dog stolen from a farm with three of her puppies has returned covered in injuries and is now refusing to eat or drink as she pines for her pups.

Jack Russell Terrier, Tinkerbell, and three of her five puppies were stolen from Cowpen Bewley between Monday night and Tuesday morning. A day later, on Wednesday evening, an injured and starving Tinkerbell arrived back home - but there is still no sign of her puppies.

Frantic owner, Kayde Charlton, said she is worried sick about what has happened. She said: "I just keep going over every scenario, it's horrible. I can only just hope and pray that they haven't injured the puppies."

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The 32-year-old said the animals were in a secured area on the farm and when she went to check on them she could only find two puppies. She said she was calling for Tinkerbell, but she couldn't find her anywhere.

Kayde said: "At around 7pm last night Tinkerbell came home. She has a cut on her eye, on her mouth, her paws and also cuts on her tummy. I don't know if she has done it trying to escape from somewhere or if she was thrown out of a vehicle.

"She's not eating or drinking, she is just pining for the puppies. She is searching all over the farm for them, it is honestly so sad and awful to watch."

The worried owner said she just wants the puppies, which are microchipped, back home safely.

Kayde, who lives on Manor Farm, said she believes the dogs were targeted and Cleveland Police has now launched an appeal to find the stolen puppies.

A spokesperson said: "Four-year-old Tinkerbell, a Jack Russell, and her three nine-week-old puppies were stolen. One puppy is female – described as brindle with white on her chest and the other two puppies are brindle males with white paws. Tinkerbell was dumped nearby and managed to return home of her own accord with minor injuries, but the puppies remain outstanding.

"Officers are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch, and are particularly interested in a silver coloured van which was seen around 11pm on Monday 24th June as it sped around Cowpen Bewley village."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Richard Davidson at Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 119377. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at https://orlo.uk/SYYMA or by calling 0800 555 111.